Here are some highlights from the February 5, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Downtown strategy
Council received an update on the Downtown Strategy, including the proposed implementation approach.
Under Council direction and as advised via the 2020-2025 Economic Development Strategy, staff undertook an initiative to create a strategy for supporting business and development in the downtown core area in partnership with Downtown Prince George. The strategy document is now complete and was shared with council.
The strategy is focused on invigorating the downtown through a multi-faceted approach including marketing and placemaking. Downtown Prince George is leading the Strategy Implementation Team that will oversee the carryout of the overall strategy alongside partners Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Prince George, and the City with involvement of other specialized groups depending on individual initiatives.
Contingency fund update
Information detailing the use of Council contingency funding for the 2023 calendar year was presented to council. The report shows that in 2023, Council contingency was set at $75,000, and at year end there was $25,818 left unspent. Unspent funds do not carry forward and are absorbed into the City’s surplus at year-end.
The funds were used last year towards the Inspiring Women Amongst Us event at UNBC ($7500), a ‘Home of the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ road sign ($3,382) and $20,000 for a one-time micro grant in partnership with the Downtown Business Association following the downtown building explosion.
The original budgeted cost for the Rocky Mountain Rangers sign of $15,000 was based on an estimate for contracted services however, staff were able to complete the work in-house.
Building permit summary
Council received a Building Permit and Development Permit Summary for the month of December, rounding out the totals for the 2023 year. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
In December a total of 21 building permits were issued, made up of three commercial/industrial permits and 18 residential permits, worth a combined total of $5.7 million.
The number of permits in 2023 was down from a record year in 2022, something that was highlighted during the budget deliberations last month. In total there were 395 permits issued in 2023 worth $155.6 million. In 2022 there were 493 permits at $251.3 million and in 2022 there were 460 permits issued at $237.2 million.
Grants and more grants
Council approved a number of different grant applications to proceed, including three for parks.
The three parks grants that the City are hoping for are the BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society (BAHLS) active communities grant for up to $50,000, Tree Canada Grant for up to $10,000, and BC Hydro ReGreening Grant for up to $7,500.
The active community grant supports recreation delivery models in Prince George by partnering with organizations like EngageSport to increase opportunities for residents. This grant assists the City in facilitating planning and programming for grassroots recreation programs offered by community associations.
The additional grants would be allocated to the urban tree management program to replace trees affected by disease, weather, or age, ensuring the maintenance of green spaces within the city.
MOU updates approved
Council approved some updates to the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Communication and Cooperation between the City, Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG), and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN).
The updates to the 2017 agreement were brought forward during the 2023 Government to Government (G2G) forum where elected officials from all three organizations reviewed and suggested edits. One of the additions is the agreement that the parties agree to meet formally as staffs, councils and governments no less than once per year.
The changes to the MOU ensure it is a reflection of current priorities and that the terms and conditions remain relevant to all three parties. The updates have already been supported by the RDFFG and LTFN.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca